Our take
Snack Shack is the quintessential summer movie. It’s sun-soaked and full of mirth as it follows two rowdy boys fighting off bullies and scheming their way to profit, one ingenious scam at a time. But it’s also a tender coming-of-age film, one filled with realistic friendships and painfully awkward romantic encounters. In both instances, Snack Shack doesn’t reinvent the wheel—in fact it’s formulaic almost to a fault. But it’s saved by endearing performances and an effectively nostalgic backdrop. Many times, it feels like any John Hughes movie by way of Superbad. But for the most part, it’s its own distinctive, chlorine-tinged, popsicle-sweet thing.
The story
Inseparable best friends AJ and Moose decide to run the local pool's snack shack after their plan to sell home-brewed beer goes down the drain. Things take a turn when they meet Brooke, an effortlessly cool lifeguard who puts their big plans, and friendship, at risk.
Elsewhere
"Armed with a talented cast, writer-director Adam Rehmeier’s 1991-set feature happily squares itself in a tradition of teenage hedonism and broad learning opportunities, settling into a generic but warm glow."
— J. Kim Murphy
In a small Nebraskan town in 1991, 14-year-old best friends A.J. (Conor Sherry) and Moose (Gabriel LaBelle) intend to turn a profit by managing a poolside concession stand, but the surprise involvement of Brooke (Mika Abdalla) changes their plans.
If The Fabelmans didn’t convince you, then Snack Shack surely will: LaBelle is a born star.
It feels like John Hughes could’ve made this film, and you can take from that what you will.
The details
Who picked it
Renee Cuisia is the lead curator at A Good Movie to Watch. In her spare time, she likes to watch K-dramas and analyze them to death. She's also seen You've Got Mail one too many times but is still convinced it's one of the greatest films out there.
I think it’s humerously funny and topped off with a little romance . ????